Traveling with your Dog during the Holidays

Many people traveling for the holidays will be taking their pets with them. Traveling with pets can be simple and enjoyable, if you prepare and know what to expect. Being prepared is the most important thing.

Dogs and Hotels

Many hotels will allow dogs to stay with you for an extra fee. This fee can vary from an amount per day up to a flat fee for your entire stay. Ask about these fees and regulations when you are making your reservations. Some hotels allow your dog to roam free in the room, while others require it to be kenneled. If your dog is allowed to roam free, the hotel may give you a door hangar to put on the knob when you leave the dog in the room unattended. This is to alert the staff of the dog’s presence, and they will most likely NOT service the room with the animal unattended.

Flying with Dogs

Arrangements to fly with a dog should be made well in advance of your trip. Make travel arrangements earlier than you normally would because in many cases, only a certain number of animals are allowed on each flight. You will need to have vaccination records, medical records and other important information for the airline. When flying with a dog, it must be kenneled in an airline approved kennel. This is for the dog’s protection as well as the airline workers. Talk to your vet in advance to help prepare yourself and the dog for this somewhat stressful trip.

Dogs around new people and children

When you are traveling with your dog, he/she will come into contact with people and children that don’t necessarily know how to act around pets. While it is not your job to train these people how to act however, it is your job to maintain your dog and help educate these people along the way. You would not want any unfortunate incidents to happen on your well deserved holiday Vacation. Keep your dog on a leash while in a new place, and keep an eye on him to make sure he is adjusting properly. If children wish to pet your dog, make them ask you permission first. This will ensure that you have enough control over your dog while the child is petting it.

If you follow these important steps, there is no reason why your dog can’t enjoy every holiday vacation with you and the family.